Mollie Pearce Mckibbon

Homestyle Millinery

My good friend, Dymoon, gave me a huge bag of reclaimed material for crafts. I was going through it one day and discovered a large piece of woollen houndstooth check and had an inspiration. I started out only to sew an infinity scarf, but soon the project grew into a scarf, hat and clutch purse. Here are the results. I have worn the hat and scarf, but I am anticipating using the purse soon also. The hat is quite warm as I stiffened the crown with a thick felted material. It is the first time I have made this kind of hat and my very first purse, so I am happy with the results.

The hat consists of a large circle (slightly larger than a dinner plate) gathered into a band (my head size). As I mentioned I stiffened the crown with a inner lining of felt. Then I added a bow to the hat band.

To make the purse I cut out a long rectangle of material, interlined it with more felt, made a cotton lining and turned the cotton lining right side out so that the seams were inside. Then I folded one end up part way and the other end down to partially cover it. It made an envelope. I finished off the raw ends of the purse flap by turning it inward slightly and blind stitching it. I then sewed on velcro for a closing and added a bow. I made a smaller envelope out of the houndstooth material to hold makeup etc. inside the purse.

I enjoyed the process of designing and constructing the three items. I hope my description is clear.